Weather Forecasting Applications Course
This course gives you the tools and knowledge to interpret numerical weather models, analyze real-time data and build tailored forecasts. You will learn to anticipate extreme weather events and to improve decisions in sectors such as maritime navigation, transport, agriculture and energy, working with models such as GFS, ECMWF and WRF and with specialized software for visualizing and processing meteorological information.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Weather Forecasting Applications Course?
This short course shows you how weather forecasts are produced and, above all, how to apply them to real operational decisions. You will study the physical principles of meteorology and the main atmospheric phenomena; deterministic, probabilistic and numerical prediction models; data from weather stations, satellites, radar and oceanographic buoys; atmospheric circulation, fronts, pressure systems and convection; and the differences between short- and long-range forecasting. You will then apply forecasts to maritime navigation, aviation, road transport and logistics, to agriculture, forestry and water resources, and to energy, mining and construction.
What sets this course apart: work with leading models such as GFS, ECMWF and WRF and with specialized visualization and processing software; techniques for short-, medium- and long-range horizons; case studies in key sectors, from shipping routes to renewable energy plants; an introduction to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve predictions; and a final project in which you design and present a forecasting application for a sector of your choice.
Program highlights
- Meteorological foundations: physical principles, atmospheric processes and observation networks.
- Prediction models: deterministic, probabilistic and numerical models such as GFS, ECMWF and WRF.
- Navigation and transport: wind, waves and storms on routes, plus aviation, road and logistics uses.
- Agriculture and natural resources: frost, drought, irrigation, forest fires and reservoir planning.
- Energy and industry: solar and wind output, grid demand, mining and construction planning.
- Final project: a forecasting application designed, simulated and presented for a chosen sector.
Syllabus of the Weather Forecasting Applications Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of meteorology and prediction models
- 1.1. Introduction to meteorology: basic concepts, physical principles and atmospheric phenomena
- 1.2. Weather prediction models: deterministic, probabilistic and numerical models
- 1.3. Observation and collection of meteorological data: weather stations, satellites, radar and oceanographic buoys
- 1.4. Key atmospheric processes: atmospheric circulation, fronts, low- and high-pressure systems and convective systems
- 1.5. Short- and long-range forecasting: differences, techniques and tools used in each approach
Weather forecasting applications in navigation and transport
- 2.1. Weather forecasting for maritime navigation: the impact of wind, waves and storms on routes and vessel safety
- 2.2. Use of weather models in aviation: forecasting turbulence, winds and visibility and managing flights
- 2.3. Weather forecasting for land transport: traffic conditions, storms, frost and their impact on road safety
- 2.4. Forecasting applications in logistics and freight transport: route optimization and reduction of operational risks
- 2.5. Support tools and systems for forecasting weather conditions in multimodal transport
Weather forecasting for agriculture and natural resource management
- 3.1. Climate forecasting for agriculture: monitoring rainfall and extreme temperatures and their impact on crops
- 3.2. Prediction models for agricultural irrigation: estimating evaporation and managing water resources
- 3.3. Frost and drought forecasting: how weather models anticipate extreme events and their impact on agricultural production
- 3.4. Forecasting tools in forest management: monitoring wildfires and preventing damage
- 3.5. Forecasting applications in water resource management: water levels, river flows and reservoir planning
Weather forecasting applications in energy and industry
- 4.1. Weather forecasting in the energy industry: the impact of weather on solar, wind and thermal power generation
- 4.2. Prediction models for power grid management: demand forecasting and management of energy resources
- 4.3. Forecasting weather conditions for renewable energy production: optimizing solar and wind plants
- 4.4. Operations planning in the mining industry: extreme weather conditions, safety and storm forecasting
- 4.5. Use of weather forecasting in construction: planning works according to weather conditions
Final project and applied weather forecasting
- 5.1. Design of a weather forecasting project for a specific sector: choice of application and project objectives
- 5.2. Implementation of forecasting tools: integration of models and collection of relevant data for the chosen sector
- 5.3. Analysis of meteorological data: interpretation of results and preparation of forecast reports
- 5.4. Weather forecast simulation: building forecast scenarios for decision-making
- 5.5. Presentation of the final project: results, analysis and forecast-based recommendations
Duration and format of the Weather Forecasting Applications Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Weather Forecasting Applications Course
Career opportunities after the Weather Forecasting Applications Course
Questions about the Weather Forecasting Applications Course
To provide timely, accurate information about future weather conditions so that people and organizations can plan operations, reduce risks and make better decisions.
The course covers deterministic, probabilistic and numerical models, with particular attention to widely used models such as GFS, ECMWF and WRF and to how their outputs are interpreted and checked for accuracy.
Yes. A full module looks at how wind, waves and storms affect routes and vessel safety, and the objectives include adapting passage plans to changing conditions with wider safety margins and options for shelter.
They help farmers make informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, fertilization and harvesting, improving yields and reducing losses from frost, drought and other adverse events.
They are helpful but not essential. Basic knowledge of statistics and of Python or R makes the data analysis and the final project easier, and the course explains the tools step by step.
Fully online, with materials available 24/7, discussion forums and practical exercises so you can apply what you learn straight away and study at your own pace.
Through practical exercises in each module and a final project in which you design a forecasting application for a chosen sector, analyze the data, simulate scenarios and present your recommendations.
Yes, as an advanced technique. You will see how artificial intelligence and machine learning are used to improve predictions and how to evaluate their output alongside conventional numerical models.
More programs in Climate and oceanography
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at meteorologists and climatologists, agricultural and energy professionals who need reliable weather information, risk and emergency managers, researchers and students in atmospheric sciences, and pilots, navigators and transport professionals; a degree in atmospheric sciences, physics, mathematics, computer engineering or a related field, or proven experience in meteorology, data analysis or programming, is recommended, and basic statistics and Python or R are helpful.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser, the software specified in the course and access to public meteorological data platforms.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.